Yet another walk where you will be away from the crowds, in fact we met no-one on this May half term day. From Carlingill bridge (good space for cars on the road 100m south), head up the Gill, initially on the south, but after that whichever side suits. If you don’t fancy scrambling along the Gill sides past the impressive Black Force and by the side of The Spout, take to the grassy slope just past Green Knott Gill and climb up either to where the ground levels out on the ridge descending from Uldale Head, then descend to the fabulous Blakethwaite stone, or, when meeting a sheep track half way up, traverse the steep slope overlooking the Gill for a lesser ascent/descent, but note there are several tricky areas of landfall to cross. From the Blakethwaite stone climb easily up to the col twixt Hand Lake (!)and Docker Knott, then pick out the best ascent of the ridge due E to Simon’s Seat, and descend obliquely to Churn Gill and ascend to the Seat. This is a central Howgill Fell, with a corresponding panorama. The summit is not so inspiring, however. A steep descent SSW and a gentler ascent on quad tracks takes you up to Breaks Head, where be careful to head W and round to Fell Head for a full view of the Lune Valley, including M6 and railway in the Gap, and the Lake District Fells, particularly the Coniston and Scafell massifs. Descend NW then head more westerly for the obvious col, then upto the rounded 500m summit and the final gentle 1 mile descent NW. This makes a 6 mile outing with 2300ft ascent
Carlingill Bridge. The Carlin Gill valley from the south ridge of Uldale Head Black Force. The north ridge of Simon’s Seat. The Lake district hills from Simon’s Seat. The initial ascent ridge, showing the traversing path at half height, and the landfalls.
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